Hello!
We have something extra special for you this week: we give our drawing pencils a break and try something new: we use collage and drawing to create portraits of people we admire and love, all inspired by the artist Bisa Butler.
I’ve been following the gorgeous work of fiber artist Bisa Butler ever since friend of DT and founder of Girls Garage Emily Pilloton-Lam introduced me to her work years ago. Bisa uses traditional quilting techniques and brightly colored and pattered fabrics to create portraits that celebrate African American history and Black culture. They are electric, energetic, thoughtful and joyful. Check out some of these incredible portraits from Bisa’s website.
To hear more from Bisa Butler about her inspiration and her process, check out this amazing video from our friends at the Katonah Museum. (Btw, they’ve got an awesome exhibition on right now featuring the work of renowned illustrator Jerry Pinkney. If you’re in the New York City area, check it out!)
You can also check out Bisa’s current work over on her Instagram and follow her. And when you make your quilt portraits, be sure to tag her so she can see them, too! Take a photo, put it up on Instagram, and tag us @drawtogether.studio and Bisa at @BisaButler
Can’t wait to see your quilted paper portraits! Everything is better when we draw collage together!
xoxo
w
Quilt Portraits inspired by Bisa Butler